What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
CleansingLauric Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glycerin, Propanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, C14-22 Alcohols, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Arachidyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Palmitic Acid, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tromethamine, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingTrehalose
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientPEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
EmulsifyingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMethyl Glucose Sesquistearate
EmollientParfum
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantSorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingBHT
AntioxidantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSucrose Cocoate
EmulsifyingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Malt Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingSaussurea Involucrata Extract
HumectantGeraniol
PerfumingArctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Triethylhexanoin, Trehalose, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Parfum, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Sorbitan Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Benzyl Salicylate, BHT, Propylene Glycol, Sucrose Cocoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Geraniol, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, CI 15985, Phenoxyethanol, CI 14700
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolThis ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateThis ingredient is a synthetic ingredient with emollient and skin conditioner used to make skincare products feel more lightweight on the skin. It helps improve slip and spreadability without feeling greasy.
Because it is high molecular weight and lipophilic (oil loving), it remains on the surface of skin.
Hydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water